A late-night landslide in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Danyor town claimed the lives of seven volunteers and left six others injured early Monday, as they worked to repair a flood-damaged water channel.
Rescue officials say the victims were part of a 15-member group—mostly young locals—trying to reconnect the main water supply from Danyor nullah to the town. The effort began after recent flash floods destroyed the pipeline, leaving thousands without drinking and irrigation water. The landslide struck around 2 a.m., burying the workers under debris.
Emergency teams transported the injured to hospitals in Gilgit and Danyor, while a state of emergency was declared at local medical facilities.
Climate and Infrastructure Crises Collide
The incident is the latest in a series of disasters to hit the region since late June, when heavy rains, driven in part by glacier melt, triggered widespread flooding and landslides. On July 21, floods in the Babusar area killed at least 10 people and cut off key roads and bridges.
Danyor nullah’s destruction has been particularly devastating for locals who rely on it for water and agriculture. Residents say that while they managed a temporary fix, another flood washed it away. They accuse the government of failing to act despite repeated pleas.
Public Anger Boils Over
Funeral prayers for the volunteers quickly gave way to protests at Danyor Chowk. Led by local elders and former GB minister Muhammad Iqbal, demonstrators held the government directly responsible for the tragedy, calling it a result of negligence.
“This wouldn’t have happened if the water channel had been restored in time,” said social activist Ghulam Abbas, adding that one more person had died from a heart attack during the crisis. Lawyer Wazir Ibadat demanded a formal investigation, pointing to the loss of crops, trees, and livelihoods in recent weeks.
Official Response and Promises
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families, along with directives for top-tier medical treatment for the injured.
But for many in Danyor, promises are not enough. As one resident, Dildar Hussain, put it: “This is proof of government incompetence. Lives were lost because people had to do the work themselves.”
